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A review by tristatereader
A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
It is so damn gloomy and cold in my part of the world, so I’m itching to be done with work and crawl into bed with my current read. But until then, I have to tell you about A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes! I really loved this book. As soon as I saw historical romance with a murder subplot I was like ummm YES PLEASE ✔️
The year is 1867 and Poppy Delamare is a self-proclaimed spinster living and working in London. Only, Poppy has assumed a new name (Flora Deaver) and identity. She escaped an abusive household at the hands of her stepfather 2 years ago and never looked back. But when Poppy receives word that her beloved half-sister Violet has been charged with the murder of her husband, she rushes back to her small hometown in an attempt to clear Violet’s name. It’s during this rush that she (literally) runs into the Duke of Langham. Although she finds the Duke to be insufferable, the two end up on the train together and a fake betrothal plan is hatched. It’s a win-win as Poppy will have the Duke’s vast resources at her disposal, and the Duke will not have to entertain the women of the town who are longing to become his Duchess. But as the two spend more time together trying to unravel the truth behind Violet’s husband’s murder, they find themselves both wishing the betrothal was not a ruse.
I highly recommend this book. I found the characters lovable and the story very entertaining. Historical romance is one of my favorite genres, and fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and then to add in a murder subplot?! I was so intrigued and this author did not disappoint. Poppy and Langham’s relationship was not only fun but believable, which I always appreciate when reading fiction. This was the 3rd book in a 4 book series (yes I went out of order, I like to live dangerously) but I already have book 2 in the series secured thanks to my friend Kate and I can’t wait read it 💃
The year is 1867 and Poppy Delamare is a self-proclaimed spinster living and working in London. Only, Poppy has assumed a new name (Flora Deaver) and identity. She escaped an abusive household at the hands of her stepfather 2 years ago and never looked back. But when Poppy receives word that her beloved half-sister Violet has been charged with the murder of her husband, she rushes back to her small hometown in an attempt to clear Violet’s name. It’s during this rush that she (literally) runs into the Duke of Langham. Although she finds the Duke to be insufferable, the two end up on the train together and a fake betrothal plan is hatched. It’s a win-win as Poppy will have the Duke’s vast resources at her disposal, and the Duke will not have to entertain the women of the town who are longing to become his Duchess. But as the two spend more time together trying to unravel the truth behind Violet’s husband’s murder, they find themselves both wishing the betrothal was not a ruse.
I highly recommend this book. I found the characters lovable and the story very entertaining. Historical romance is one of my favorite genres, and fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and then to add in a murder subplot?! I was so intrigued and this author did not disappoint. Poppy and Langham’s relationship was not only fun but believable, which I always appreciate when reading fiction. This was the 3rd book in a 4 book series (yes I went out of order, I like to live dangerously) but I already have book 2 in the series secured thanks to my friend Kate and I can’t wait read it 💃
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC